Morocco, a key player in digital inclusion in Africa

Morocco has positioned itself as a key player in digital inclusion in Africa, thanks to its commitment to a digital transformation that is inclusive and sustainable, said, on Monday in Rabat, the minister delegate in charge of the Digital Transition and the Reform of the Administration, Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni.

Speaking at the opening of the event, peer-learning on "The promotion of digital investments in Africa," initiated by the G20 Compact with Africa, Ms. Seghrouchni highlighted the initiatives from Morocco aimed at reducing the digital divide and promoting access to information technologies and communication.

"Per the high instructions of HM King Mohammed VI, Morocco is working to incorporate digital culture in all segments of society and to develop the necessary infrastructure to support the rapid development of the digital sector," she said.

Digital inclusion is a key lever to improve productivity, the quality of public services, and governance while promoting innovation and the creation of jobs, she stressed, noting that "Morocco is ready to share its experience and to play a unifying role in mobilizing the resources necessary for the emergence of an Africa that is digital." For its part, the German Ambassador in Morocco, Robert Dölger, welcomed the strategic role of Morocco as a hub of economic and digital connection between Africa and Europe, noting that "the choice of Morocco for hosting this event illustrates its importance as a regional model for digital transformation and cooperation in Africa."

He also recalled that the Initiative of the Compact with Africa, initiated by the G20, aims to strengthen private investment in Africa and to support the structural reforms in the participating countries. In the same vein, the Ambassador of South Africa to Morocco, Ebrahim Edries, welcomed the essential role of Morocco in the field of renewable energy, as well as in the automotive and aerospace industries, adding that the Kingdom could play a decisive role in the sustainable future of Africa by strengthening the private investment in crucial sectors such as energy, agriculture, health, and education.

Participating by video conference, the Ambassador of Brazil, Morocco, Alexandre Guido Lopes Parola, said that this initiative is designed to mobilize long-term investment and promote economic integration on the continent. And continue that, digital inclusion is essential to reduce inequality and strengthen the competitiveness of African economies.

In its turn, Ed Brown, senior director of research and policy at the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET), has highlighted the key role of digitization in the development of Africa.

"The digital investments are essential to create jobs, improve productivity, and transform African economies," he said, calling for the strengthening of public-private partnerships to maximize these opportunities.

Held in Rabat from December 2 to 4, this event brings together policymakers, experts, and international partners to share best practices and identify concrete actions for the digital transformation of the continent.